Iraq is burning less crude oil in power plants, freeing up volumes for export. Generators are burning more fuel oil and also gas, with the oil minister aiming to end flaring by 2021.

Iraq last year achieved its lowest crude oil burn since 2013, according to MEES estimates. Average crude burning in power plants averaged 134,000 b/d over January-November 2017, putting it on course for a more than 20% fall from 2016’s record 169,000 b/d (see charts).